Advanced Scouting: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors

The Spurs have two wins against the Warriors this season. Tim Duncan notched a triple double in a 118-98 victory on November 30 and the Spurs overcame eight 3’s from Reggie Williams en route to a 111-94 win on December 8.

Although the Spurs have had an easy time against Golden State to this point, the Warriors have played much better lately, winning 10 of their last 16 games. Some adjustments must be made to account for the Warriors improvements; be sure to read my scouting report of the Golden State Warriors if you havenâ€™t already.

The Warriors are still last in the NBA in free throw attempts drawn, but they have taken and converted a higher rate of 3-point attempts in recent games. Dorell Wright, Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Reggie Williams and Vladimir Radmanovich are all outside options that must be accounted for. The Warriors guards have also improved taking care of the ball, reducing their turnover rate. When the Warriors passed out the pick-and-roll over the last 16 games, they have scored 1.14 points per possession (PPP) . This rate dwarfs their season average of 0.89 PPP.

David Lee has improved his production running the pick-and-roll and converting easy buckets. Lee has averaged over eight points per game on either cuts, or as the roll man in the pick-and-roll. Golden State finds few easy scores in the half court set outside of Lee.

The Warriors success on catch-and-shoot jumpers varies greatly depending on whether the attempt was contested or not. No team averages more than their 1.33 points per shot on unguarded jumpers. However, the Warriors only score a sub-standard 0.90 points per shot on contested jumpers. The Spurs need to be more hesitant than in previous games trying to force the Warriors to get rid of the ball and they should be close enough to all shooters to contest all kick-outs.

Statistics from previous Warriors-Spurs meetings

Tony Parker led 21 pick-and-roll possessions over both games against the Warriors this season. The Warriors have defended this play well throughout the season, Parkerâ€™s 21 such plays resulted in 25 points. Manu Ginobili has also created 17 points in the 13 pick-and-rolls he led. George Hillâ€™s 12 pick-and-rolls have led to only six points.

For the Warriors, Monta Ellis has created 15 points in the 30 pick-and-roll plays. Stephen Curry has only modestly more success in the pick-and-roll, with 16 points in 22 possessions. The 32 plays the Warriors passed out of the pick-and-roll resulted in 16 points.

The Pick

Spurs.

This game should be a lot tougher than the previous meetings. With the Warriors adapting to Coach Keith Smartâ€™s half court offense and David Lee making significant contributions, this one could present a significant challenge. Even so, the Warriors still arenâ€™t in the same class as the Spurs, despite having home court advantage.

DorieStreet

Imrpoved team since the last meeting–Spurs need to play with intensity and focus on defense (more emphasis on man-to-man, in my opinion) especially against the 3 pt shooters. End the losing streak @ 1.

http://www.bpifanconnect.com Alix Babaie

I am hopeful the S&B will bounce back this evening. What I would love to see is the Spurs win these next 2 on the road and close out January with a win over Houston so that they can get 40 wins under their belt heading into the RRR!

PtR-cryosourge

I still can’t get over our lost d d lst time,so here’s to a spurs win!GSG!

mrliksternow

Can someone please write monthly blogs on the month to month averages and PER for every spur on the roster so we can see how everyone is playing. Im curious to see how much the younger ones are improving and if our older players drop off as the season progresses. please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://hotmail.com os

spurs should trade RJ before february. He does not produce for the team. He also brings bad karma.

SpurredOn

Warriors are also the healthiest they’ve been all season, coinciding with their recent success. Meanwhile the Spurs are going through their injury spell. Warriors jumped out huge on the Lakers last week and nearly won that home game so tonight will not be easy. Just get the win.

mrliksternow

RJ is the best 4th scoring option on any of the title contending teams, only big baby scores over 12 points in that role, but RJ shoots 2 shots less. he is over 40% on threes, what more do u want?

mrliksternow

Rj averages 12.2, Big baby 12.5

betsyduncan

I hate these West Coast games! Hard to stay up ’em for if one has to get up in the AM! Let’s start another winning streak, guys!

Jacob

Tim just went down. I saw our season flash before our eyes…

Thank God, as I’m composing this, bill and Sean both say he’s ok, and will be back. Damn my heart is pumpin’!

Please be careful out there big man.

Jacob

Tiago needs to start being ready for passes. He’s been caught off guard three times tonight because he’s not paying attention. Also, if his chip shots start falling, he’ll be alot more confident. His touch around the rim sucks so far.